Greenwood in Johnson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

J. T. Polk Canning Co.

Photographed by Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, October 13, 2013

1. J. T. Polk Canning Co. Marker

Inscription. James T. And Laura B. Polk started what became the largest cannery west of Baltimore by first canning tomatoes on their kitchen stove in 1872. “Polk’s Best” brand of canned vegetables were sold world wide for many years. The huge factory stood just south of this site. One four story building housed a hall and library known as the Social Institute - - a center devoted to the cultural and educational betterment of the community. The factory burned in 1906. It was rebuilt in 1907 and sold in 1919. The last owner was Stokelys who did canning from 1930 to 1959.

Erected 1976 by Greenwood Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 39° 36.827′ N, 86° 5.957′ W. Marker is in Greenwood, Indiana, in Johnson County. It is on East Main Street east of Polk Place, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Greenwood IN 46142, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana

and specifically in Greater Indianapolis.

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It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Birthplace of Banking in Greenwood (approx. 0.6 miles away); James T. and Laura Polk Community House (approx. 0.6 miles away); First Church, School and Cemetery (approx. 0.8 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. one mile away); Pioneers Rest Here (approx. 1.1 miles away); Glade-Dobbins Cemetery (approx. 3½ miles away); Proctor Park (approx. 3½ miles away); Mary Bryan, Pioneer Woman (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenwood.

Another marker is no longer nearby. First Cabin in Greenwood (was approx. 1.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Reverse View - - J. T. Polk Canning Co. Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, October 13, 2013

2. Reverse View - - J. T. Polk Canning Co. Marker

Wide View - - J. T. Polk Canning Co. Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, October 13, 2013

3. Wide View - - J. T. Polk Canning Co. Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2013, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 1,706 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 14, 2013, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.